Dumaguete Belfry

One of the most significant landmarks of Dumaguete, also known as the “University Town”, is the Dumaguete Belfy. It is the city’s most popular marker. It was built in 1760s and developed in the 1870s to warn townfolks of attacks by marauding pirates.

The Dumaguete Belfry is also known as the Campanario de Dumaguete (a direct Spanish translation). It was built upon one of the four original massive watchtowers that Parish Priest Don Jose Manuel Fernandez de Septien built in the 1760s to discourage Moros from ransacking the town. The two layers which are now known as the Bell Tower or the Campanario were added during the administration of Fray Juan Felix de la Encarnacion in 1867.

Located next to the magnificent St Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral, the Dumaguete Belfry, unlike before, is no longer visible in most parts of the city. It used to be the most imposing among the architectural structures until tall buildings were erected due to modernization.

Dumaguete Belfry

The Dumaguete Belfry is a head turner to many of the new visitors of Dumaguete. Even though it has new additions including the grotto of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in its base and the garden, the Campanario still gives a glimpse of the rich history of the city.

A souvenir shop is located on one side of the Dumaguete Belfry. Here, one can see mostly religious arts and crafts made by the Dumagueteños. Candles, pocket prayerbooks, novena guides among many others are sold nearby.

The Dumaguete Belfy is located along Perdices Street fronting Quezon Park. A wide variety of establishments such as restaurants, banks and hotels are nearby. A couple of hundred meters to the east is the City Hall and the Quadrangle and about 150 meters to the west is the Public Market.

How to get there

From the Dumaguete Airport, take 10-minute taxi or tricycle-ride going to the Dumaguete Belfy or Cathedral. Almost anybody who live in the city knows this landmark so asking for directions is easy.

It is about 700 meters from the Sea Port of Dumaguete. If you want, you can walk along Rizal Boulevard going to the Campanario for about 10-15 minutes. From the port, turn right at Bishop Epifanio Surban St., right after Shakey’s Pizza. You will first reach Quezon Park and from there you will see the Belfry.

Campanario de Dumaguete Marker

Jesus and Mary

Lisa and Sam at the nearby stores

Lisa and Sam thanking

Mark at Belfry

Dumaguete Belfry and Grotto

About the author

Mark Anthony Maranga is an Educator-Parent to his 3 Homeschooling Kids. He sells Ice Cream and Balloons in Mandaue City, Cebu. Exploring the Philippines tourist attractions together with his family is his passion; they are learning without borders.